The Week in Philly: SEPTA fare changes, Philly preps for presidential debate and a river rescue

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Why was Philadelphia picked as the host city for the presidential debate? Why is SEPTA raising certain fares? And what happened when a dog jumped into the Schuylkill River last week?

Look back, look ahead, and get a better understanding of the stories shaping the Philadelphia region on “The Week in Philly” with Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters. Listen on KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM Saturdays at 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Episodes are also available as a podcast or, you can check out individual segments below.

The National Constitution Center serving as the site for a pivotal presidential debate? Sounds fitting. Why was Philadelphia picked as the host city? How much do debates move the needle? Which candidate has the most at stake? Ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump’s Sept. 10 showdown, Swarthmore University Associate Professor of Political Science and Executive Director of the Lang Center for Civic & Social Responsibility Dr. Ben Berger provides context for key storylines.

SEPTA was not able to get the funding it needed from Harrisburg, so it’s eliminating the Travel Wallet discount and increasing Regional Rail fares. KYW’s Mike DeNardo explains which rides will cost you more and why.

With the saga surrounding the 76ers’ proposal for a new arena trickling across state lines, New Jersey officials continue to dig in, making increasingly aggressive gestures to lure the NBA franchise to the Camden Waterfront. KYW Newsradio South Jersey Reporter Mike Dougherty shares what he’s heard about the state’s pitch and how leaders on the other side of the Delaware River are countering.

Early last week, ads started showing up at bus stops in Philadelphia that made it look like the Eagles were endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. Very quickly, the Eagles stated that they did not sponsor the ads and they are not endorsing any candidate. The city said they did not approve the ads either. So, how did they get there? KYW Newsradio’s Nina Baratti looked into it.

A woman was walking her dog, Bentley, on the Schuylkill River Trail on a lovely Labor Day afternoon... Then, the dog took off and jumped into the river. Luckily, two people nearby teamed up to catch the dog. KYW Newsradio’s Matt Coughlin has the full story of this daring rescue.

Political implications aside, the forthcoming presidential debate will offer avaluable learning opportunity for local students. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo talks to educators about how they plan to use this special event as a teaching tool.